The family of a 16-year-old girl who died when a car carrying four teenagers plunged into a river has remembered their “beautiful” daughter as someone with an unstoppable “zest for life”.
Zara Shaw died on Tuesday afternoon after a black Audi A3 entered the River Wear near Sunderland.
The teenager, from Newbottle, was later recovered from the water along with Jackson Duke, 17, and Luke Etheridge, 16. All three died in the incident.
The fourth teenager, a 17-year-old boy, managed to escape and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released on bail, while Northumbria Police continues to investigate who was behind the wheel.
In a heartfelt tribute, Zara’s parents and her sister, Olivia, said she “had a zest for life and life loved you”.
Her family said Zara “came into this world with a fight, and we know you left it doing the same”. They also thanked the emergency services, saying they were “humbled and grateful” by the efforts made to find the teenagers.
Police were called at about 1.30pm on Tuesday after reports that a car had gone into the River Wear at Panns Bank, close to Wearmouth Bridge.
Zara Shaw, 16, died after the black Audi A3 plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland on Tuesday afternoon
Luke Etheridge, 16, was among the three teenagers who died after the black Audi A3 entered the water
Jackson Duke, 17, was also killed in the tragedy. Police have arrested a 17-year-old on suspicion of dangerous driving but are still investigating who was driving
The surviving 17-year-old was taken to hospital with non-serious injuries. Police said no other vehicle is believed to have been involved.
Police officers, firefighters and paramedics sealed off a car park after the Audi broke through a barrier and plunged into the river.
Images from the scene showed ambulances, police vehicles and a fire engine gathered along the riverbank, with two rescue boats operating in the water.
Coastguard and RNLI crews searched the river using poles, while a helicopter was also deployed. The operation continued until the car was recovered and the deaths of the three teenagers were confirmed.
In a statement issued by police, Zara’s family said: “Zara, you came into this world with a fight, and we know you left it doing the same. You had a zest for life and life loved you.
“Created as a companion for your sister, Olivia, who loves you deeply and unconditionally. You made us proud from day one, you studied and learnt new skills and made life time friends.
“Having fun along the way with your dance videos, infectious laugh and smile, you have always been our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, girlfriend and best friend.
“To everyone who has been in Zara’s life we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You made her what she became. At the worst time of our lives we thank each and every one of you for kindness and good wishes.”
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving
The car was recovered from the river around 24 hours after the crash that killed three teenagers
Emergency services were called to the banks of the waterway in Sunderland near Wearmouth Bridge at around 1.30pm yesterday
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‘We are humbled and grateful. A tragedy has taken you but our memories remain blessed with having you as our daughter. Rest safe our beautiful girl, Zara.
‘Lastly, to our Police Liaison Officers and all emergency services. Thank you for not making our child a number but a child treated with the utmost care and not left alone.
‘I know this will impact you all and the hope is you feel supported, as we do. Forever in our thoughts, Zara. Always Mam, Dad & Olivia.’
Sunderland College, the school attended by all three teenagers also released a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear three students from our Bede Campus tragically lost their lives yesterday afternoon.
‘This is a heartbreaking loss for our college community, and the wider city of Sunderland.
‘Everyone at Sunderland College extends our heartfelt thoughts and deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
‘We also pay tribute to the emergency services and all those who responded at the scene. Support is available to any students or our colleagues who may be affected by this tragedy and ask that the privacy of the families of those involved is respected.’
And Christ’s College in Sunderland, where Zara had been a pupil since the age of four before leaving this summer, described her as a ‘kind and loyal’ student who was a ‘delight to teach’.
Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie, Area Commander for Sunderland, previously said: ‘First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the teenagers who have tragically lost their lives.
‘The last 24 hours have brought unimaginable agony and heartbreak for the loved ones of Luke, Jackson and Zara.
‘All three had their whole futures ahead of them and will be hugely missed.
‘I know the wider community will want to join me in offering their families our heartfelt condolences at this devastating time.
‘We will do everything we can to support them, and would continue to ask for their privacy to be respected.
‘We also recognise the impact that this tragedy has had upon the people of Sunderland and further afield, and know that you will continue to be there for one another.’
He added: ‘The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing.
‘We would continue to ask members of the public not to speculate about the incident both on social media and in the community.
‘In doing so, please be mindful of the potential impact such commentary could have on the families of those involved in this incident.’
Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage, has been asked to send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the Force’s website.
The public can also dial 101 quoting reference number NP-20260929-0589.
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.
